Bill & Miriam Honig with the Petris
from Italian Swiss Colony
Honig family in the mid 1970’s
The tractor barn where the first vintages were made
The winery in 1986
Construction of the new tasting room, 2003
Mike Thompson, Bruno Bartolucci
and Michael Honig, 2003
The “Brothers Honig”, 2003
Some of the sales team in
the lab, 2005
Alesha and Natalie smell fermenting wine, 2005
The front of the winery, 2006
History
The Honig Story
In 1964, Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre ranch in Rutherford, in the heart of the Napa Valley. The vineyard was planted with Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, which he sold to neighboring wineries. Louis worked to create a family gathering place at the ranch, for his children and grandchildren, while he dreamed of the day he could retire from his San Francisco advertising agency and make wine from his vineyard.Louis passed away before he could realize his dream, leaving the estate to his family. In 1981, as a tribute to his legacy, his family produced a few hundred cases of Louis Honig Sauvignon Blanc in the vineyard’s old tractor barn. After the wine won a Gold Medal at the Orange County Fair, the family decided to increase production, and Honig Vineyard & Winery was born.
In 1984, at the age of 22, Louis’ grandson, Michael Honig, took over management of the vineyard and winery. In 1989 the family began producing small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon. As the business grew, family members Regina Weinstein, Steven Honig, Stephanie Honig, and Jonathan Honig joined Michael in the winery.
What began as a small “garage” winery has today become a successful family enterprise, with everyone working collaboratively to run an inspiring and socially responsible business. The Honig family donates wine to charitable organizations around the country; hosts political and community events at their vineyard; and are leaders in sustainability, both in the vineyard and the winery.
Winemaker Kristin Belair focuses production solely on Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon, and Honig wines can be found on the wine lists of hundreds of fine restaurants. Louis Honig’s vision of bringing his family together to share in the beauty and bounty of Napa Valley, while producing outstanding wines, has become a reality.
